5. Enjoying Intimacy as a Couple

by Dan Houze, March 5, 2006

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Married couples see sex as a taste of God's goodness,
or they see it as nothing more than a momentary pleasure.

Every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). But these gifts, including sex, can be misused via the world's influence (1 John 2:16), taking the participants out of God's "safety zone".

God's Four Purposes for Sex:

1. So that a couple will bond together.
   Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:16
   Vulnerability + acceptance = intimacy
2. So that the couple will procreate together.
   Genesis 1:28; Psalm 127:3-5
3. So that the couple will be protected from immorality.
   1 Corinthians 7:1-7
4. So that the couple experience pleasure in one another.
   Genesis 18:12; Proverbs 5:15-19; Song of Solomon 7

Questions for Discussion

1. How did your parents view sex as you were growing up? How about your peers?
2. How do you think the views of others and the media have influenced your sexual views today?

Questions for Spouses to Discuss Together

1. Reflect on your sexual relationship with your spouse throughout your marriage and at the present moment. In what ways are you satisfied? In what ways could your sexual relationship improve?
2. In what areas do you need the most help? Where will you look for that help? How can you and your spouse experience God's best for your intimate relationship?